Modernizing the Airplane: GPS to Replace Radar

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Start using satellite technology and you can get more planes in a specific area safely, and that'll help alleviate congestion and ultimately planes will be able to fly direct routes and save some fuel.

The Senate passed a $34.5 billion bill on Monday that will bring in GPS technology to replace radar. This is an attempt to help modernize our country’s dated air traffic control system. Science and aviation reporter Miles O’Brien explains the new system and why it's only happening now.

According to Miles, the current system dates from the 1950s and doesn't account for today's air traffic. The satellite system will allow more planes in the sky, and have allow them to fly closer to each other, thanks to the accuracy of GPS.